The future! The future of our kids. Following a meeting with participants aged 15 to 75, I have decided, to spend more of my time on: Prevention of conflicts in my county/town Help young folks to mange their future Stefan
Strangely enough this thought came to me yesterday, but for a different reason. I met a couple we know, she's french , he's Iraqui. I asked the french lady if she would like to borrow some of my french books about 'the War.' He chipped in - "Which war?" He served in the Iraqui army in the Iraq/Iran war, and to him that's more important. But in reply to Stefan - I think it depends on age and personal involvement. For people of my age WW2 is too deeply imprinted in my psyche. Like the Iraqui man with his war.
Tricia, I was born born end March 45 - so, I consider myself a lucky man.. But I fully understand you, however, you cannot change the past, but ma< be the future. My elder brother, born 1942 was atacked by very low flying fighter aircrafts and still has a speach issue today. He is interested in history, but today looks very much into the future of his kids and grand children. Stefan
Remembering and understanding history. Look after yourself and remember others Be strong but fair Ditch that stupid social media junk and talk to real people Remember everyone is different and dont judge just because you dont have an interest in the subject. Learn to laugh at yourself
Perhaps this is a contender for Von Poops question? Will age ever weary the subject? My Grandfather used to say "The past is a place I retreat to when the present becomes a little unbearable" . Kyle
I'll admit that a good number of things are more important than (the study of) the Second World War, but men do not, on the whole, concern themselves solely with those things that are important. More often they focus their attentions on subjects that are (first) immediately relevant and (second) interesting to them. Without constant reminders to look beyond the quotidian and the personal, we can be remarkable myopic little monkeys and, personally, when I've finished a day's work and done my bit for the health and happiness of my family I'd rather read history books than save the planet, contemplate world peace or fight poverty--although I acknowledge all these as more important. Yet there is still, I think, something non-trivial and non-selfish about the study of the war. The way in which the worst of humanity brought out the best, and selfless heroism nestled beside craven selfishishness is a lesson in Mankind, and an understanding of Man and his society is an endlessly applicable wisdom that, as it spreads, tends to pull us towards peace and away from pollution and poverty. From the crooked timbers of humanity, no straight thing was ever built. A study of the war scrutinises the grain and rigidity of those very timbers and helps ensure that our future homes stand strong.